Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for a robotic vehicle for the Austin Police Department with Safeware Inc., for a term of one year in an amount not to exceed $304,619. Funding: $250,000 is available in the Special Revenue Fund of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management, through the 2024 State Homeland Security Program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Grant Program, and $54,619 is available in the Operating Budget of the Austin Police Department.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $250,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Revenue Fund of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management, through the 2024 State Homeland Security Program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Grant Program.
Funding in the amount of $54,619 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Austin Police Department.
Purchasing Language:
Multiple cooperative purchase programs were reviewed for these goods. The Financial Services Department has determined this contractor best meets the needs of the Austin Police Department to provide the goods required for the City.
MBE/WBE:
Cooperative Agreement contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. Therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for the purchase of the Boston Dynamics Spot robotic vehicle public safety platform, accessories, and training for use by Austin Police Department Special Operations during its response to critical incidents within the City and the surrounding regional service area.
The Spot robot is a four-legged robot used to navigate indoor and outdoor environments and can be operated manually by remote control or automatically by using its perception and guidance systems to follow predefined routes, reducing exposure during high-risk events involving barricaded subjects, explosive or suspicious packages, and hazardous materials.
Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing association recognized under Texas procurement statutes. Cooperative associations, themselves or using a lead government, competitively solicit and award contracts that are eligible for use by other qualified state and local governments. Due to their substantial volumes, larger than any one government could achieve independently, cooperative contracts routinely include superior terms, conditions, and pricing. Use of cooperative contracts also results in lower administrative costs and time savings.
A delay in contract approval could impact the City’s ability to protect first responders and the community during high-risk events.